When the trail divides a sign tells you that you can head left into Secret or right onto another trail. Taking the left fork leads you to the upper rim of Secret Canyon where you'll meander through a cool pine forest. At first the path is high above the streambed, but it soon dips and at times even crosses it. This becomes a very pretty walk in the woods and I have never gone all the way back.

If you take the right fork you're on a trail that will take you up a cliffside onto a steep rocky part with majestic views, and then up and over the butte and down a steep trail into a denser forest. You will meander through the vegetation on a narrow dirt path until the trail splits again. I've only taken the left fork but it was a very nice adventure.

I've seen more wildlife in Secret than in most hikes in the area, probably because the canyon is remote and the trail rarely busy. There are always doves, often bluebirds, and a variety of smaller feathered friends. I once saw a fox who stared at me with as much curiosity as I had staring back, and another time we saw a brown bear making its way through noisily through the forest.

Bear sightings in this area are very rare, so I wouldn't worry about an encounter. No matter how far you go back into Secret Canyon, or which trails you choose, you'll be rewarded with impressive views and a peaceful, breathtaking solitude.

Notes from
the Journal